Wine hiking in Valais

Around 23,000 winegrowers - most of them as part-time winegrowers - produce every third bottle of Swiss wine.

On the approximately 119,000 often very small plots, half red and half white wines are grown. The climate is characterized by intense sunshine with 300 sunny days a year and foehn winds, which create excellent ripening conditions.

Valais Wine Trail
On three parallel routes for hikers, cyclists and motorists, Switzerland's longest wine trail allows visitors to explore the country's largest wine-growing region. With the support of the canton, the "Valais Wine Trail" was built, which runs for over 50 kilometers through the centuries-old cultural landscape of the Valais wine-growing regions from Martigny to Leuk. Along the three signposted routes, which can also be completed in stages, there are a total of 180 wine cellars where top Valais wines can be tasted.

The oldest vine in Switzerland is also located in the Valais and has been supplying grapes for the old Valais wine variety "Humagne Blanc" for 259 years. Now the plant has had offspring. The Meier vine nursery in Würenlos succeeded in growing new seedlings from branches of the vine. 60 of these offspring have been replanted in Steg and ensure the continued existence of the traditional wine of the Methusalem vine.

Enjoyable diversity of varieties
The Valais vineyards are characterized by 59 different grape varieties (26 red and 33 white). The four main varieties are the Chasselas (Fendant), the Pinot noir, the Gamay and the Sylvaner (Johannisberg). They dominate 88% of the cantonal vineyard area (5,236 ha). The majority of the vineyards in Valais are cultivated according to organic guidelines of integrated production.

Today, wines from the Valais hold their own against the top international wines from France, Italy, Spain and the USA. In the Valais, one of the highest vineyards in Europe - 1150 meters above sea level - is located near Visperterminen. The grape here contains a lot of natural sugar and gives a strong white wine. Viticulture in Visperterminen has a long tradition. Based on archaeological findings, it can be proven that the Celts already practiced viticulture in Visperterminen. Incidentally, it is a tradition in Visperterminen that the local councillors serve wine from the municipality's own five-hectare vineyard three times a year. In addition, everyone receives half a pound of bread. The guests bring the necessary glass, some sausage and cheese.